the relatively large number of trails and parks dispersed across the region . State , federal , and regional land managers report increased amounts of litter , human waste around parking areas , illegal camping , trail deterioration on fragile soils , and unsafe parking along roadways . The famed Cutler Coast trail on the Bold Coast was observed to have over 100 cars parked along the gravel shoulder of the public road - the official parking lot has a true carrying capacity of 15- 20 vehicles . Trail rescues and injuries increased - most being visitors with little experience in active outdoor recreation .
Acadia National Park ’ s Mount Desert Island ( MDI ) division is among the top ten most popular national parks in the United States . Visitation has surged almost 60 percent in a decade to over 3.5 million per year , leading to severe crowding and unsafe conditions . The National Park Service is developing a transportation plan and new visitor welcome center to reduce congestion and conflicts among people traveling on park roads and protect park resources .
The popularity of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor has negatively affected various aspects of local life on MDI , even as businesses rely on the high volume of customers . Housing is scarce , and costs are out of reach for summer workers , year-round renters , and first-time home buyers . Recreation areas frequented by locals can be inaccessible during the peak season . Streets and sidewalks are congested , daily commute times increase , and restaurants are full .
Organizations and communities across the region have , for decades , collaborated in assessment of natural and cultural resources and creation of tools that promote economic and community development through connection with and continuation of heritage . Much has been learned through concerted efforts to collaboratively develop , manage , and promote what people hold dear . Regional efforts have gathered momentum in recent years , but communities suddenly find themselves required to take a large leap forward in the capacity to grow to meet a sudden surge in demand . Given the anticipated continued trend of heavy use , communities do not have the same luxury of gradual change they have traditionally worked within .
Now more than ever it is imperative for the region to collectively guide growth and development to preserve the most important aspects of local heritage and engage residents and visitors in being good stewards of what the people most value . National Heritage Area designation will enable thoughtful , coordinated , sustainable management of the current growth trends , right when the need is most critical .
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